Technical Interview: 2014 Autumn
Technical Interview: 2014 Autumn
INTERVIEW
DAY 2
2014 Autumn
DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRINCIPLES OF FLIGHT ............................................................................................................................. 5
1. Critical Engine .............................................................................................................................. 5
2. Swept wing .................................................................................................................................. 5
3. High lift devices: .......................................................................................................................... 5
4. Critical Mach number .................................................................................................................. 5
5. Mach tuck .................................................................................................................................... 6
6. Coffin corner ................................................................................................................................ 6
7. Stall .............................................................................................................................................. 6
8. Deep stall ..................................................................................................................................... 6
9. What is Dutch Roll? ..................................................................................................................... 6
10. Centre of Pressure ................................................................................................................... 6
11. Why does an aircraft descent quicker when it is lighter? ....................................................... 6
MASS AND BALANCE ............................................................................................................................... 7
12. Centre of Gravity ..................................................................................................................... 7
13. Effect of fwd and aft C.G. ........................................................................................................ 7
14. Weight Planning ...................................................................................................................... 7
15. Structural Limited Masses ....................................................................................................... 9
16. Performance Limited Masses .................................................................................................. 9
17. Regulated Masses .................................................................................................................... 9
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES – (EU-OPS and ICAO DOC8168) .............................................................. 10
18. Aerodrome operating minima ............................................................................................... 10
19. Conversion of met VIS to RVR/CMV ...................................................................................... 10
20. Alternates .............................................................................................................................. 10
21. Separate runways .................................................................................................................. 11
22. Enroute Alternate .................................................................................................................. 12
23. Destination Aerodrome ......................................................................................................... 12
24. Planning minima (ENR & DEST >> !!! N/A for DEP !!!): ......................................................... 12
25. Airplane approach categories (Category C for A320) ............................................................ 12
26. Take off Minima..................................................................................................................... 13
27. Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................ 13
28. MDA/MDH or DA/DH ............................................................................................................ 13
29. System Minima for Non Precision approach aids ................................................................. 14
30. System Minima for Approach Categories.............................................................................. 14
31. Approach Ban ........................................................................................................................ 14
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PRINCIPLES OF FLIGHT
1. Critical Engine
Engine whose failure would most adversely effect on the aircraft's handling and performance
quality. Propeller a/c, there is a difference in the remaining yawing moments after failure of the
left or the right engine if all propellers rotate in the same direction due to the P-factor.
2. Swept wing
A swept wing is favoured for high subsonic and supersonic speeds, and is found on almost all jet
a/c. Compared with straight wings they have a "swept" wing root to wingtip direction angled
beyond the span wise axis.
Advantages
High Mach cruise speed: delays the airflow over the wing from going supersonic and
allows the a/c to maximize the jet engine potential for higher Mach cruise. The swept wing is
also designed with a minimal chamber and thickness, thereby reducing profile drag, which
further increases the wing ability for higher speed.
Stability in turbulence: poor lift qualities, thereby it is more stable in turbulence compared
with a straight-winged aircraft.
Disadvantages
poor lift qualities, because the swept wing has the effect of reducing the lift capabilities of
the wing
speed instability at lower speeds and higher stall speeds because of the poor lift qualities
wing tip stalling tendency which makes the aircraft longitudinally unstable, which is a major
disadvantage.
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5. Mach tuck
Is an aerodynamic effect whereby the nose of an aircraft tends to downward pitch as the airflow
around the wing reaches supersonic speeds; the aircraft will first experience this effect at
significantly below Mach 1.0.
6. Coffin corner
Is the altitude at or near which an aircraft's stall speed is equal to the critical Mach number, at a
given gross weight and G loading. At this altitude the aircraft becomes nearly impossible to keep
in stable flight. Since the stall speed is the minimum speed required to maintain level flight, any
reduction in speed will cause the airplane to stall and lose altitude. Since the critical Mach
number is maximum speed at which air can travel over the wings without losing lift to flow
separation and shock waves, any increase in speed will cause the airplane to lose lift, or to pitch
heavily nose-down, and lose altitude.
7. Stall
A stall is when the angle of attack, the angle at which the wings meet the onrushing air, is
exceeded and the wings lose lift causing the planes nose to drop.
The angle of attack at which this happens can vary depending upon the airspeed. Sufficient flow
of air must continue over the wings to maintain lift.
A stall can occur when one of the following happen:
Too steep an angle of attack with insufficient flow of air over the wings causing a stall
Insufficient airspeed at any angle, again not enough airflow over the wings.
8. Deep stall
(or super-stall) is a dangerous type of stall that affects those aircraft which designs with a T-tail
configuration. In these designs, the turbulent wake of a stalled main wing "blankets" the
horizontal stabilizer, thus the elevators ineffective and preclude the aircraft from recovering
from the stall.
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Aerodrome operating minima (AOM) are criteria used by pilots to determine whether they may land
or take off from any runway at night or in IMC (visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling, less than
VMC).
AOM consist of two parts: one relating to the cloud base and one relating to the visibility
and/or Runway Visual Range (RVR)
20. Alternates
a. Take-off Alternate
The operational flight plan shall specify a takeoff alternate aerodrome if meteorological
and/or performance considerations preclude return to the departure aerodrome
Within one hour still air flight time at the FM one engine - inoperative cruising speed in
ISA, calculated on the actual take-off mass. This means 250 NM (great circle distance)
for A320.
Met reports indicate weather is at or above applicable landing minima (RVR/Vis) at a
period of 1 hour before and after the ETA and
If non-precision and or circling approach available ceiling must be taken into account
and
one-engine inoperative limitations taken into account and
Minimum LDA greater than 1800m
Meteorological reports and/or forecasts must indicate that the weather at the
aerodrome will be at or above the planning minima during a period from 1 hour
before to 1 hour after ETA
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-Both:
o The planned duration of the flight from take-off to landing, or
in the event of inflight re-planning the remaining flying time to
destination does not exceed
6 hours;
and
o Two separate runways* are available and usable at the
destination Aerodrome
and
alternate
-Or:
o The destination is isolated and no adequate destination
alternate exists.
alternate
From 1 hour before to 1 hour after the ETA the weather conditions will be
2
- Or
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Meteorological reports and/or forecasts must indicate that the weather at the aerodrome
will be at or above the applicable planning minima (RVR/Visibility) during a period
commencing 1 hour before and ending 1 hour after the ETA;
and
For a non-precision or circling approach the ceiling must be at or above MDH.
24. Planning minima (ENR & DEST >> !!! N/A for DEP !!!):
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Take-off minima for a given aerodrome shall not be less than landing minima for the same
aerodrome unless a take-off alternate aerodrome is available
The take-off minima may not be less than the values below:
Facilities / Conditions applying RVR / VIS
High intensity runway centreline lights
spaced 15 m or less
and
high intensity edge lights spaced 60 m
or less are in operation;
Crew received LVTO simulator training; 125m
A 90 m visual segment is available from LVP in force
the cockpit at the start of the take-off
run;
The required RVR value has been
achieved for all of the relevant RVR
reporting points.
RL, CL and multiple RVR information /note 1 & 2/ 150m / LVP in force
RL and CL /note 1/ 200m / LVP in force
RL and/or RCLM /note 1 & 2/ 250m / LVP in force
RL and/or RCLM (no LVP in force), /note 1 & 2/ 400m
Nil (day only) /note 1/ 500m
Note 1 – RVR/Vis if unavailable can be replaced by pilot assessment.
Note 2 – For night ops. at least RL and Runway end lights required.
27. Abbreviations
RL – Runway edge Lights
CL – Centerline Lights
RCLM – Runway Centerline Markings
HIRL – High Intensity Runway edge Lights
ALS – Approach Lightning System
FALS – Full Approach Lightning System
IALS – Intermediate Approach Lightning Sytem
BALS – Basic Approach Lightning System
NALS – No Approach Lightning System
MDA or DA/DH
Non-Precision Precision
LOC, VOR, NDB, Circle PAR, ILS, MLS
reported ceiling NOT
reported ceiling necessary
necessary
MDA (MDH) [lowest ALT, NOT to below!] ×
DA (DH) [CAT I] ×
[decision made, possibly DESC below]
×
DH [CAT II ; CAT III] w. RA (II) + A/THR
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REQUIRED MINIMUMS
RVR DH
Non Precision 750m 250ft to 350ft
CAT 1 550m 200ft
CAT 2 300m 100ft
CAT 3 A 200m 50ft
CAT 3 B 75m -
During all approaches the airplane‘s descent path must be carefully monitored.
Except in an emergency or when there has been a significant change in reported weather conditions,
no more than two successive approaches to an aerodrome may be carried out where both
approaches have resulted in a go-around.
b. Where no outer marker or equivalent position exists, the commander shall make the
decision to continue or abandon the approach until 1000 ft above the aerodrome.
This corresponds to an aircraft’s climb capability, assuming that one engine is inoperative. The
“approach climb” wording comes from the fact that go-around performance is based on approach
configuration, rather than landing configuration.
For Airbus FBW, the available landing configurations are CONF 2 and 3.
A/C conf.: One engine INOP, TOGA thrust, Gear extended, Slats/flaps in approach config.,
min climb gradient: 2.1%
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The objective of this constraint is to ensure aircraft climb capability in case of a missed approach with
all engines operating.
The “Landing climb” wording comes from the fact that go-around performance is based on landing
configuration.
For Airbus FBW, the available landing configurations are CONF 3 and FULL.
A/C conf: all engines, TOGA thrust and the engine have reached go around thrust, Gear
extended, Slats/flaps in landing configuration,
minimum gradient to be demonstrated is 3.2%
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a. Wind effect: to compensate for the effects of wind to regain the inbound track as
accurately and as possible to achieve a stabilized approach.
b. Descent: The aircraft shall cross the fix or facility and fly outbound on the specified track
descending as necessary to the specified altitude. If a further descent is specified after
the inbound turn, this descent shall NOT be started until established on the inbound
track (“established” is considered as being within half full scale deflection for the ILS and
VOR or within +5° of the required bearing for the NDB).
c. Reversal Procedures: All turns are designed for a bank angle of 25°
45°/180° PROCEDURE TURN and 80°/260° PROCEDURE TURN
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an approach by an IFR flight when either part or all of an instrument approach procedure is not
completed and the approach is executed with visual reference to the terrain.
Visibility 5000m
Ceiling 2500ft
fully stabilised at 1000ft AAL.
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Where track guidance is provided the vertical cross-section of which is an area located
symmetrically about the centre line of each segment. The vertical cross-section of each
segment is divided into primary and secondary areas. Full obstacle clearances are applied
over the primary areas reducing to zero at the outer edges of the secondary areas
On straight segments, the width of the primary area at any given point is equal to one-half of
the total width.
The width of each secondary area is equal to one-quarter of the total width.
The minimum obstacle clearance (MOC) is provided for the whole width of the primary area.
In the secondary area, MOC is provided at the inner edges reducing to zero at the outer
edges
The minimum obstacle clearance equals zero at the departure end of the runway (DER).
From that point, it increases by 0.8% of the horizontal distance in the direction of flight
assuming a maximum turn of 15°.
In the turn initiation area and turn area, a minimum obstacle clearance of 90 m (295 ft) is
provided.
Unless otherwise specified, departure procedures assume a 3.3 per PDG and a straight
climb on the extended runway centre line until reaching 120 m (394 ft) AAL based on all
engines operating
The PDG (Procedure Design Gradient) is made up of:
o 2.5% gradient of obstacle identification surfaces or the gradient based on the most
critical obstacle penetrating these surfaces, whichever is the higher gradient
and
o 0.8% increasing obstacle clearance.
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Straight Departures
Initial departure track is within 15° of the alignment of the runway centerline
When obstacles exist affecting the departure route, procedure design gradients greater than
3.3 per cent are promulgated to an altitude / height after which the 3.3 per cent gradient is
considered to prevail. Gradients to a height of 60m (200 ft) or less, caused by close-in
obstacles, are not specified.
Turning Departures
When a departure route requires a turn of more than 15°, a turning area is constructed.
Turns may be specified at an altitude / height, at a fix, and at a facility. Straight flight is
assumed until reaching an altitude / height of at least 120m (394 ft) above the elevation of
the DER.
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41. Holdings
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Rate of turn / Angle of bank: bank angle of 25° or at a rate of 3° per second (rate one), whichever
requires the lesser bank
Holding Speeds based on the newer ICAO DOC8168 Vol.1. IV Edition
Levels Normal Conditions Turbulent Conditions Timing
230kts 280kts
Up to 14.000ft 1 min
170kts for CAT A and B 170kts for CAT A and B
14.000ft – 20.000ft 240kts 280kts or Mach 0.8 1.5 min
20.000ft – 34.000ft 265kts whichever is less 1.5 min
above 34.000ft Mach 0.83 Mach 0.83 1.5 min
Basic holding area at any particular level is the airspace required at that level to encompass a
holding pattern based on the allowances for aircraft speed, wind effect, timing errors,
holding fix characteristics, etc.;
Entry area includes the airspace required to accommodate the specified entry procedures.
Buffer area is the area extending 5.0 NM beyond the boundary of the holding area within
which the height and nature of obstacles are taken into consideration when determining the
minimum holding level usable in the holding pattern associated with the holding area.
The minimum permissible holding level provides a clearance of at least: 984ft above
obstacles in the holding area;
Furthermore, over high terrain or in mountainous areas obstacle clearance up to a total of
1,969ft is provided to accommodate the possible effects of turbulence, down drafts and
other meteorological phenomena on the performance of altimeters.
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The lowest published altitude between radio fixes that assures acceptable navigational signal
coverage which applies to the entire width of the airway, segment, or route.
The lowest published altitude in effect between radio fixes on VOR airways, off-airway routes or
route segments which provides obstacle clearance requirements for the entire route segment.
1000ft OC below 5000Ft MSL above 2000ft OC from man-made and terrain obstacle.
ROUTE MORA provides a clearance within 10NM of the route centerline and 10NM radius
beyond the radio fixes.
Grid MORA is associated with enroute charts. Each charts are divided into sectors and each
sector has a minimum useable altitude.
An altitude, which can found on an instrument approach chart and identified as the minimum safe
altitude that provides a 1000ft obstacle clearance within a 25NM radius from the navigational
facility. If MSA is divided into sectors, each sector a different altitude, the altitudes in these sectors
are referred to as Min. Sector Altitudes.
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The altitude to which, following the failure of an engine, above the one engine inoperative absolute
ceiling, an aeroplane will descend to and maintain, while using maximum available power/thrust on
the operating engine and maintaining the one engine inoperative best rate of climb speed.
51. ETOPS
Extended Twin Operations An operator is granted permission to operate a twin engine a/c type
on a flight in which the a/c is more than 60 min. away from suitable ALTN aerodrome in case of one
engine INOP for en-route.
Vary btw. 60 and 180 min.
A320 one engine INOP 380NM
Provide noise reduction for noise sensitive areas in close proximity to the DEP end of the RWY.
T/O THR: V2 +10 kt power/thrust reduction at or above the prescribed minimum altitude
(800ft above APT elevation) and
CLB THR: V2 + 10 to 20 kt delaying flap/slat retraction until the prescribed max. altitude
(3000ft above APT elevation) is attained.
Than accelerate smoothly and retract flaps/slats on schedule while maintaining a positive
rate of climb.
Provide noise reduction to areas more distant from the runway end.
T/O THR: V2 +10 to 20 kt at minimum altitude (800ft above APT elev.) positive rate of
climb, body angle is reduced and flaps/slats are retracted on schedule
VZF(green DOT) power/thrust is reduced during the flap/slat retraction sequence at a
point that ensures satisfactory acceleration performance.
At the prescribed altitude (3000ft above APT elev.) transition smoothly to en-route climb
speed
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Take-off
Noise abatement procedures in the form of reduced power take-off should not be required in
adverse operating conditions such as:
if the runway surface conditions are adversely affected (i.e., snow, slush, ice or water, or by
mud, rubber, oil or other substances);
when the horizontal visibility is less than 1 NM
when the crosswind component, including gusts, exceeds 15kt
when the tailwind component, including gusts, 5kt
When wind shear has been reported or forecast or when thunderstorms are expected to
affect the approach or departure.
Approach
In noise abatement approach procedures which are developed:
the aeroplane shall not be required to be in any configuration other than the final landing
configuration at any point after passing the outer marker or 5 NM from the threshold of the
runway of intended landing, whichever is earlier;
excessive rates of descent shall not be required
Compliance with published noise abatement approach procedures should not be required in adverse
operating conditions such as:
if the runway is not clear and dry, i.e., it is adversely affected by snow, slush, ice or water, or
by mud, rubber, oil or other substances;
in conditions when the ceiling is lower than 500ft above aerodrome elevation
when the horizontal visibility is less than 1 NM
when the crosswind component, including gusts, exceeds 15kt
when the tailwind component, including gusts, exceeds 5kt;
when wind shear has been reported or forecast or when adverse weather conditions, e.g.,
thunderstorms, are expected to affect the approach
Landing
Noise abatement procedures shall not contain a prohibition of use of reverse thrust during landing.
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
An imaginary screen that is just cleared by the lowest part of the aircraft with undercarriage
extended and in an unbanked attitude when taking off and landing. Usually 35ft
CLB
Segment (one engine INOP) +0,8% all engine Gear S/Flaps Speed Thrust
gradient
1st: from 35 ft point until landing gear is
down T/O V2 positive T/O
retracted
nd
2 : from gear up point until acceleration ALT
up T/O V2 2.4% T/O
400ft is reached
3rd:
a.) distance covered before flap retraction, accelerating acc. acc. V2
to green dot speed up 0% T/O MCT
retract. green dot O
b.) after flap retraction accelerating to final T/O climb
speed
4th: from 400 FT to 1500 ft is reached up up green dot 1.2% MCT
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To ensure obstacle clearance while allowing for aircraft performance degradation and less than
optimum pilot technique, the gross gradients are reduced by 0.8% for MEJ, to calculate a net
gradient.
The aircraft net gradient capability, correctable for temperature, altitude and pressure, is published
in the AFM and in operations, must ensure that the limiting obstacle can be cleared by a minimum
of 35'.
If there is an obstacle within the departure path that cannot be avoided and would not be cleared by
35', the planned takeoff weight must be reduced until minimum obstacle clearance can be achieved.
Note that, by regulation, turns immediately after takeoff cannot be initiated below the greater of 50'AGL or one
half of the aircraft wingspan and, that during the initial climb, turns are limited to 15° of bank. Turning will
result in a reduction in aircraft climb capability.
Takeoff Distance must not exceed the Takeoff Distance Available (TODA), with a clearway distance
not to exceed half of the TODA
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When a clearway exists, the Takeoff Run on a dry runway is the greater of the following values:
Distance from brake release to a point equidistant between the point at which VLOF (Lift-off
Speed) is reached and the point at which the aircraft is 35 feet above the takeoff surface,
assuming failure of the critical engine at VEF and recognized at V1
115 % of the distance covered from brake release to a point equidistant between the point at
which VLOF is reached and the point at which the aircraft is 35 feet above the takeoff surface,
assuming all engines operating
When a clearway exists, the Takeoff Run on a wet runway is the greater of:
The Accelerate Stop Distance on a wet runway is the same as above but reverse thrust can be used.
Accelerate Stop Distance must not exceed the Accelerate Stop Distance Available (ASDA)
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64. Stopway:
An area beyond the take-off runway, no less wide than the runway and centred upon the extended
centreline of the runway, able to support the aeroplane during an abortive take-off, without
causing structural damage to the aeroplane.
66. Clearway
It is the length of an obstacle-free area at the end of the runway (upward slope not exceeding
1.25%), with a minimum width of 150m (500ft) and centrally located about the extended centreline
of the runway.
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
71. Speeds
Decision Speed (V1): Maximum speed during takeoff at which a pilot can safely stop the aircraft
without leaving the runway. This is also the minimum speed that allows the pilot to safely
continue to V2 takeoff even if a critical engine failure occurs between V1 and V2. V1 cannot be
less than VMCG and cannot be greater than Vr.
Engine Failure Speed (VEF): The CAS at which the critical engine is assumed to fail.
Rotation Speed (VR): The speed at which the pilot starts to rotate the aeroplane for take-off to
achieve V2 at the screen height. V2 ≥ V1. It is a function of aeroplane weight and flap setting but
can also vary with pressure altitude and temperature.
Takeoff Safety Speed (V2), achieved by the screen height 35ft and maintained to 400ft AGL in the
event of an engine failure. V2 ≥ 1.2 × VS
Lift-off Speed (VLOF): The speed at which the aeroplane first becomes airborne.
Stall Speed (VS): Vs is the speed at which the airflow over the wings will stall. It is varies with
weight and configuration. The stall speed is the reference speed for the other performance
speed i.e. V2, Vref
Minimum Control Speed on the Ground (VMCG): The minimum speed on or near the ground at
which the take-off can be continued safely when the critical engine becomes inoperative, with
the remaining engines at take-off thrust.
Minimum Control Speed in the Air (VMCA): The minimum speed at which the aeroplane is
controllable in flight with a maximum 5 degrees of bank, when the critical engine becomes
inoperative, with the remaining engines at take-off thrust.
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Taxi Fuel
Total amount of fuel prior to take-off including operation of ice protection system and APU
(200kg for A320)
Trip Fuel
Fuel used during the route -> T/O, CLB, CRZ: TOC to TOD, DES, APP, LDG
Contingency Fuel
5% of TRIP Fuel or
Amount to fly 5 min’ holding speed at 1500ft over destination, in standard conditions (200kg
for A320)
OR
Not less than 3% or 5 minutes, whichever is greater, of the planned Trip Fuel or in the event
of in-flight re-planning, 3% of the Trip Fuel for the remainder of the flight, provided that an
en-route alternate is available in accordance with the diagram below.
The en-route alternate should be located within a circle having a radius equal to 20% of the total flight plan
distance, the centre of which lies on the planned route at a distance from the destination of 25% of the total flight
plan distance, or at 20% of the total flight plan distance
plus 50 NM, whichever is the greater.
Alternate Fuel
Destination to alternate - G/A from MDA/H + MISAP, CLB, CRZ: TOC to TOD, DES, APP, LDG
Additional Fuel
For the alternate aerodrome procedure: if required, but not less than fuel to fly for two
hours, calculated with the normal cruise consumption, after arriving overhead the
destination aerodrome, including final reserve fuel;
Extra Fuel
At the discretion of the commander.
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
If, for whatever reason, it becomes apparent that the aircraft may land with less than Final Reserve
Fuel a PAN PAN must be reported to ATC reporting the estimated fuel time remaining in minutes.
ATC must be kept informed thereafter.
If it becomes apparent that the aircraft will land with less then Final Reserve Fuel a MAYDAY call to
ATC is to be made reporting the estimated fuel time remaining in minutes.
May be expected when the OAT or when the TAT is at or below 10°C and there is visible moisture in
the air or standing water, slush, ice or snow is present on the taxiway or runways.
a. Clear ice: is a crystal clear and solid layer of ice on the top of the aeroplane critical surfaces,
which can almost not be detected visually. It is formed by a relatively slow freezing of large
super-cooled droplets from freezing fog, drizzle or rain.
b. Blade ice: it can form on the back side of fan blades when the engine rotates overnight, in a
humid atmosphere, at temperatures close to or below 0 degrees C°
c. Rime ice: is a whitish rough deposit of ice formed by instantaneous freezing of small super-
cooled water droplets on any part of the aeroplane.
d. Frost: it can form on aircraft surfaces in clear air when the aeroplane is parked in sub-zero
temperatures.
76. Anti-Icing
Anti-icing is the process of protecting against the formation of frozen contaminant, snow, ice, and
slush on surface.
Anti-icing is accomplished by applying a protective layer, using a viscous fluid called anti-ice fluid,
over a surface to absorb the contamination. All anti-ice fluids offer only limited protection.
One step de-icing and anti-icing with this method de-icing and anti-icing are carried out in
one single step. One-step de-icing/anti-icing includes anti-icing. In this process the rest of the
fluid film will provide only a very limited duration of anti-ice protection.
Two step de-icing and anti-icing with this method de-icing is carried out in the first step with
just hot water or a hot mixture of anti-icing fluid and water. Anti-icing is carried out in the
second step with a hot or cold anti-icing fluid to give protection against freezing or refreezing.
o Critical surfaces: leading edges and upper surfaces of wings, vertical and horizontal
stabilizers, all control surfaces, slats and flaps
o Effect of frozen deposits: loss of lift, more drag, and weight, increase of stall speed, stall
before warning, stall at lower angle of attack, fan/engine vibration, incorrect readings
on instruments
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
77. De-Icing
De-icing is the process of removing frozen contaminant, snow, ice, and slush from a surface.
De-icing can be accomplished by mechanical methods; through the application of heat; by use of
chemicals. De-icing fluids are always applied heated and diluted.
HOT is the estimated time an anti-icing fluid will prevent frost, ice, snow or slush to form on
surfaces of an a/c. It will be shortened in heavy weather conditions or high wind or jet as well.
Before take-off the commander shall make sure that the holdover time has not run out, if so, the
aircraft has to be de-iced/anti-iced again.
CAVOK
Visibility is greater than 10km, no clouds below 5000ft or below highest MSA, no Cumulonimbus,
no precipitation, thunderstorm, shallow fog or low drifting snow.
SKC
If any of the above conditions are not met but there is no cloud to report
TREND
When significant changes are forecasted in the next 2 hours. BECMG and TEMPO used.
FM - From, TL – Until, AT – at.
NOSIG
When no significant changes expected the trend is replaced by this.
9 hour TAF
Issued and updated every 3 hours
12-24 hour TAF
Issued and updated every 6 hours
TEMPO
The TEMPO group is used for any conditions in wind, visibility, weather, or sky condition which are
expected to last for generally less than an hour at a time (occasional), and are expected to occur
during less than half the time period
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
NAVIGATION ACCURACY
Each aircraft operating in RNP airspace shall have
a total system navigation position error equal to,
or less than, the RNP value for 95 % of the flight
time
FUNCTIONALITY REQUIREMENTS
o FMS flight path definition and construction
o FMS functions
o Navigation database
o Navigation display
o APs and FDs, etc.
With the GPS PRIMARY function, the Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) of
Honeywell FMS or the Autonomous Integrity Monitored Extrapolation (AIME) of Litton FMS
ensures navigation position integrity.
The operational requirements and procedures are determined by the type of RNP route or
airspace, and will differ for:
o RNP en-route, in oceanic, or remote areas (RNP-10);
o RNP en-route, or terminal area within radio navaid coverage (RNP-5/4);
o SID/STAR, based on RNP (RNP-1);
o RNAV approach, based on RNP (RNP-0.3).
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
A navigation method that enables aircraft operations on any desired flight path within station-
referenced navigation aids or within capability limits OF self-contained aids, or a combination of
both.
An RNAV system may be used in the horizontal plane, which is known as lateral navigation
(LNAV), but may also include functional capabilities for operations in the vertical plane, known
as vertical navigation (VNAV).
RNAV is now also used in Terminal Areas for SID, STAR and Instrument Approach Procedures
(IAP) of NPA type.
RNAV has been used for years over oceanic or remote areas.
But the RNP concept is recent and MNPS over North Atlantic does not refer to any RNP value.
MNPS over North Atlantic may be considered equivalent to about RNP-12. RNP-10 is implemented
over North, Central and East Pacific areas.
o B-RNAV (also referred to as RNP-5) means a required navigational performance accuracy that
shall be within 5 NM of the desired flight path at least 95% of the flight time.
o Wizz Air aircraft are certified by the Authority to operate according to B-RNAV requirements,
o Aircraft equipped with GPS PRIMARY fulfil all RNP requirements up to RNP-1 when GPS
PRIMARY is available.
P RNAV procedures apply to operations including departures, arrivals, and approaches up to the
point of the Final Approach Waypoint (FAWP). This may involve flight below Minimum Sector
Altitude/Minimum Flight Altitude/Minimum Radar Vectoring Altitude.
Specific operator approval is required for the use of P-RNAV. Wizz Air Hungary has obtained this
approval from the Hungarian CAA.
Navigation Sources
The aircraft position can be determined by the following navigation sources:
o DME/DME;
o VOR/DME;
o INS (with radio updating or the length of time that a particular IRS can be used to maintain
PRNAV accuracy without external update is determined at the time of certification)
o GNSS
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
The minimum equipment required to be serviceable in order to fly a P-RNAV or RNP-1 procedure is:
One RNAV system, which includes:
o One FMGC
o One MCDU
o One GPS receiver, or one VOR and one DME, for FM navigation update
o Two IRS, and
o One FD in NAV mode.
In addition:
o On the PF side: PFD and ND must be operative.
o On the PNF side: at least one of the two EFIS must be operative (to enable temporary
display of ND information through the PFD/ND switch).
o RNAV approach, procedure, designed in overlay to a conventional IAP, based on ground radio
navaids.
o Stand-alone RNAV approach, not associated with an RNP.
o Stand-alone RNAV approach requiring GPS accuracy, sometimes called GPS (standalone)
o RNAV approach with associated RNP value, with and/or without GPS. (RNP-0.3)
RVSM airspace in Europe the airspace between FL290 to FL410, inclusive is considered special
qualification airspace.
All Wizz Air airplanes are authorized to conduct RVSM operations.
FLIGHT PLANNING
For all flights planned through RVSM airspace a Significant Weather Chart shall be available.
SERVICEABLE EQUIPMENT
The following equipment shall be serviceable before entering RVSM airspace:
o Two primary altimeter systems (agree within ± 200 feet);
o One automatic altitude control system;
o One altitude alerting system;
o A transponder that can be connected to the altitude measurement system in use for
maintaining altitude.
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
The (Enhanced) Ground Warning Proximity System ((E)GPWS) is designed to alert pilots that the
aircraft position in relation to the terrain is abnormal and, if not corrected, could result in a
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT).
Cannot be deactivated.
91. TCAS
An aircraft collision avoidance system designed to reduce the incidence of mid-air collisions
between aircrafts.
TCAS is based on secondary surveillance radar (SSR) transponder signals, and operates
independently of ground-based equipment to provide advice to the pilot on potential conflicting
aircraft.
o SSR C mode +ALT / only transmit
o SSR S mode +SPD +HDG / transmit + receive (TCAS required)
Procedures:
All engine:
WHITE rhombus „pussy” (NO action)
Traffic Advisory
TA YELLOW circle symbol ~40sec „traffic-traffic”
PF should have prepare himself; callout: „I have control”
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Resolution Advisory
RA RED square symbol ~25sec „climb-climb” or „descent-descent” or „maintain/adjust
vertical speed”
PF: AP- disengaged, CLB or DESC based on RA
TCAS will show the necessary vertical SPD on the VSI (red and green ARC)
PNF: „TCAS RA” on radio
When „Clear of conflict”
PNF: „Clear of conflict” to the radio and go back to the desired ALT
If in VMC
• Continue to fly in VMC
• Land at the nearest suitable airport and
• Report arrival to the appropriate ATC unit
If in IMC
Maintain the last assigned speed and level, or a minimum flight altitude if higher, and report
your position over the CRP. After 20 minutes adjust level and speed in accordance with the
filed flight plan
Fly to the appropriate navigation aid serving the DEST airport and hold over this aid
commence descent from the navigation aid as close as possible to
o the expected approach time last received and acknowledged, or
o the estimated time of arrival in accordance with the filed flight plan.
Make a normal instrument approach from the designated navigation aid. Land, if possible,
within 30 minutes after the ETA or the last acknowledged expected approach time,
whichever is later.
93. Turbulence
Light turbulence
Defined as turbulence that momentarily causes slight, erratic changes in altitude and/or attitude
(pitch, roll, and yaw). Occupants may feel a slight strain against seat belts or shoulder straps.
Unsecured objects may be displaced slightly. In flight service does not have to be suspended,
however the safety of the passengers must be assured.
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Moderate turbulence
Defined as turbulence that is similar to light turbulence but of greater intensity. Changes in altitude
and/or attitude occur but the aircraft remains in positive control at all times. It usually causes
variations in indicated airspeed. Occupants feel definite strains against seat belts or shoulder
straps. Unsecured objects are dislodged.
Severe turbulence
Defined as turbulence that causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude. It usually
causes large variations in airspeed. Occupants are forced violently against their seatbelts and loose
objects will move around the aircraft.
A320 is category 6, but category 4 is also suitable for the A320 if there are infrequent A320
movements at the airfield. Not more than 8 movements per day.
If the destination is a category 4 airfield the alternate has to be a category 6.
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
MEL lists all the equipment, systems and installations that must be serviceable before a particular
flight is undertaken.
Items that may be unserviceable are indicated, together with any additional limitations that may
apply to flights with such items inoperative.
The MEL is based on, but may not be less restrictive than, the Master MEL which is given by the
manufacturer.
Lists the aeroplane panels and doors that may be missing for a particular operation and graphically
indicates areas of damage to the aeroplane skin/structure that are considered acceptable for flight.
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Runway edge lights – white elevated lights that run the length of the runway on either side.
On precision instrument runways, the edge-lighting becomes yellow in the last 2,000 ft
(610 m) of the runway, or last third of the runway, whichever is less.
Taxiways are differentiated by being bordered by blue lights, or by having green center
lights, depending on the width of the taxiway, and the complexity of the taxi pattern.
Runway Centerline Lighting System (RCLS) – lights embedded into the surface of the runway
at 50 ft (15 m) intervals along the runway centerline on some precision instrument runways.
White except the last 900 m (3,000 ft): alternate white and red for next 600 m (1,969 ft) and
red for last 300 m (984 ft).
Touchdown Zone Lights (TDZL) – rows of white light bars (with three in each row) at 30 or
60 m (98 or 197 ft) intervals on either side of the centerline for 900 m (3,000 ft)
Taxiway Centerline Lead-Off Lights – installed along lead-off markings, alternate green and
yellow lights embedded into the runway pavement. It starts with green light at about the
runway centerline to the position of first centerline light beyond the Hold-Short markings on
the taxiway.
Taxiway Centerline Lead-On Lights – installed the same way as taxiway centerline lead-off
Lights, but directing airplane traffic in the opposite direction.
Land and Hold Short Lights – a row of white pulsating lights installed across the runway to
indicate hold short position on some runways that are facilitating land and hold short
operations (LAHSO).
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
30% of passengers Entire flight time when the cabin pressure altitude exceeds
14000ft but does not exceed 15000ft
ACN: expressing the relative effect of an aircraft on the runway pavement for a specified standard
subgrade category.
PCN: (five-part code) to indicate the strength of a RWY, TWY or APRON. It helps to ensure that the
airport ramp is not subjected to excessive wear and tear, thus prolonging its life.
ACN<PCN
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
INSTRUMENTATION
IAS is the speed shown on our airspeed indicator (AIS). It is not actually a real speed but an indication
of dynamic pressure. This is because lift depends on dynamic pressure. Increasing dynamic pressure
results in reducing static pressure and producing lift.
CAS is IAS corrected for position and instrument errors. It is a slightly more accurate IAS. Larger
modern aircraft have air data computers that remove the instrument and position error, the display
of speed on these aeroplanes is CAS. Almost all the V speeds used in performance (such as V1 and VR)
are CAS.
EAS is CAS corrected for compressibility, and is the most accurate of the indicated airspeed family;
however IAS, CAS, and EAS are all measures of dynamic pressure. VMO, which is the maximum
operating speed of a large aeroplane, is a very fast speed and the air is compressing and it is an EAS.
TAS is the actual speed of the aircraft relative to the air mass in which it is flying
It is a real speed, not a dynamic pressure. TAS is the true value of a/c performance in cruise, thus
listed in aircraft specs, manuals, performance comparisons, pilot reports, etc., it is the speed also
normally listed on the flight plan.
Mach number is not a speed but a ratio of TAS to the local speed of sound (LSS). Mach number
=TAS/LSS
The local speed of sound varies with air temperature. As altitude increases, the air temperature
normally decreases and the speed of sound decreases. This means that if an aeroplane climbs at
constant Mach number, its TAS decreases.
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
The ASI measures dynamic pressure as the difference between the total pitot pressure measures in
the instruments capsule and the static pressure measures in the case.
The dynamic pressure represents the indicated airspeed as knots per hour. The ASI is calibrated to
ISA at MSL.
The ASI suffers from the following errors:
Instrument, pressure, density, compressibility, maneuver, blocked pitot static system.
111. Altimeter
As the aircraft climbs the static pressure in the instrument case decreases, which allows the enclose
capsule to expand, and this in turn moves the needle on the instrument face to indicate a
corresponding altitude. For a descent the opposite function applies.
Errors of the ALT are:
Instrument, pressure, time-lag, barometric, density, temperature, blocked static port.
The capsule is fed with static pressure and reacts immediately to any change is static pressure,
whereas the static pressure feed into the case is restricted or slowed by a metering unit, thus
creating a differential static pressure between the capsule and the case. As long as the a/c continues
to climb or descent the VSI will translate this as a rate of climb or descent measurement on the
instrument dial face.
Errors:
instrument time-lag, pressure, manoeuvre
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
113. Gyroscope
The gyroscope measures the force experienced on its rotor body during a maneuver of an a/c.
The rotor is usually suspended in a system of frames called gimbals, which are arranged at right
angles to each other and are used as a conduit to transfer the force experienced on the rotor to
displayed measurement on the instrument face.
The gyro’s rigidity property allows it to remain stable in space while the a/c moves around it.
Any force applied to the gyro as a result of the a/c changing direction or attitude around the gyro
will presses the gyro.
It is two instruments combined as a single unit. One measures turn, the other measures slip or skid.
Turn is the movement about the aircraft’s yaw axis that result in a change of direction.
Slip is a lateral force into the turn,
Skid is a lateral force out of a turn.
The instrument consists of the following: a rate gyroscope which rotates about a horizon axis, one
gimbal, which is pivoted about the a/c’s fore and aft axis, two planes freedom
A: the gyroscope’s spin axis, B: yaw axis of the gimbals.
The gyroscope’s axis is aligned to the aircraft’s lateral axis.
It is comprised of a freely suspended horizontal magnet attached to a compass card that is enclosed
in a liquid-filled case. The magnet will swing so that its axis points roughly north-south, and aircraft
moves around the magnet so that the compass heading of the aircraft is read off the compass card
against a lubber line on the instrument case.
Errors:
acceleration /deceleration: ANDS – Accelerate North, Decelerate South (on an east – west
heading – Northern Hemisphere)
turning errors: UNOS – Undershoot North, Overshoot South (Northern Hemisphere)
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
HUMAN PERFORMANCE
1. Airmanship
Airmanship is the ability to operate an airplane with competence both on the ground and in the air.
The three fundamental principles of expert airmanship are: skill, proficiency and discipline.
Tony Kern has authored seven books on human performance, including the award-winning “Plane
of Excellence” trilogy (Redefining Airmanship, Flight Discipline, and Darker Shades of Blue). He uses
the analogy of an airmanship as a building composed of a foundation, pillars and capstones. (Like a
pantheon).
The foundation stones of the airmanship model, discipline, skill and proficiency. Good airmanship
requires us to draw upon multiple knowledge bases. Five critical bases of knowledge described as
’pillars of knowledge’. They include a knowledge of self, aircraft, team, environment and risk. The
capstones of the airmanship are situational awareness and judgment.
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
It is the effective use of all available resources for flight crew personnel to assure a safe and
efficient operation, reducing error, avoiding stress and increasing efficiency.
The elements which comprise CRM are not new but have been recognized in one form or another
since aviation began, usually under more general headings such as ‘Airmanship’, ‘Captaincy’, ‘Crew
Co-operation’, etc.
CRM can also be defined as a management system which makes optimum use of all available
resources - equipment, procedures and people - to promote safety and enhance the efficiency of
flight operations.
CRM is concerned not so much with the technical knowledge and skills required to fly and operate
an aircraft but rather with the cognitive and interpersonal skills needed to manage the flight within
an organized aviation system.
In this context, cognitive skills are defined as the mental processes used for gaining and maintaining
situational awareness, for solving problems and for taking decisions.
Interpersonal skills are regarded as communications and a range of behavioral activities associated
with teamwork.
In aviation, as in other walks of life, these skill areas often overlap with each other, and they also
overlap with the required technical skills.
3. Situational awareness
Keeping track of ’what is going’ on around you in a complex environment. The crew has to be aware
of what’s happening in the vicinity, in order to understand what will happen in the near future. It is
essential for the correct decision making.
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DAY 2 TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
F - Fact and Fuel (what is the problem, what is the fuel on board, if relevant)
O - Options (hold, divert, immediate landing, etc.)
R - Risks (what is the downside of each option, what is upside, for example a runway may be
further away but is longer)
D - Decision (which option)
E - Execute (carry out selected option)
C - Check (did everything work/go to plan, what else needs to be done).
• Facts is the first step to solve a problem or make a decision. It is necessary to find out what is
has happened, what is wrong and if possible what causes it. Often an aircraft’s computers
(EICAS – Boeing, ECAM – Airbus) will diagnose the fault but it is important to confirm and to
avoid “confirmation bias”. The Facts stage involves determining and confirming the problem.
• Options is determining what choices you have given the problem and circumstances. Not all
faults are urgent or require immediate action. If action is required, such as a diversion there
may be choices in airfields such as one where there is engineering or company support, length
of runway given the fault.
• Risks is assessing the potential downsides and benefits of each viable option. Often there are
several choices available and there needs to be a reasonable decision made. This is normally
associated with airport and runway choice but there are other scenarios as well. Even the act of
diverting requires risk assessment and it may be less risk adverse to continue (short runways,
bad weather etc.) When all options are equally safe, an airport with maintenance or company
support has greater benefit.
• Decide is choosing the best option available to you. In a modern cockpit environment this
should be discussed with both crew members.
• Execution is carrying out the appropriate action and to assign tasks to people who are to
execute them.
• Check is a constant process, not solely when the actions are complete. It is needed to ensure
that everything is proceeding according to plan, and the desired safe outcome is likely. If this is
not the case the process can be started again to fact check what has changed or what is not
working and then adapt as necessary.
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